Why the hell did Eddie Murphy drop out of the Oscars?

Eddie Murphy has dropped out of hosting the Oscars. What kind of fucked up show of solidarity is this?

Let me get this straight. Brett Ratner, Murphy’s director in the new film Tower Heist, was set to produce next year’s awards show. Then Ratner said a bunch of fucked up things. So, before the Academy could officially fire him, Ratner “resigned.” Now, I get that Ratner was the one who brought Murphy on to host the Oscars — usually a drab, uncreative affair — and that Ratner and Murphy are friends, but why can’t Murphy host the thing without Ratner pushing the buttons? What does one have to do with the other? Does Murphy have some sort of fucked up allegiance to Ratner that goes so deep that he would scrap an opportunity that would help bolster his latter-day career, which has been often criticized? Or has the Academy forced Murphy out? That would make less sense.

In case you don’t know, let’s review what Ratner did: He first announced that he banged Olivia Munn three times back in the day. Then he told Howard Stern he was only kidding. And then he said “rehearsal is for fags” at a screening for Tower Heist. So, the man decided to take himself out of the game, before the Academy did it for him.

What do you guys think about all this? Sound off in the comments section.

About the Author

Dylan P. Gadino

Dylan is the founder and editor in chief of Laughspin. He launched Punchline Magazine in 2005 (which became Laughspin in the summer of 2011) with childhood friend Bill Bergmann. Dylan lives in northern New Jersey with his wife and two sons. He hopes the Shire is real.

murphy quit because ratner had to leave because of what he said jokingly. good. i think it was really commendable of him as a comedian stick with his colleague, rather than whoring himself out to host a shitty award show.

Who the fuck are you to criticize Ratner for his comments, or better yet murphy for doing the right thing.

you call yourself a comedy writer yet you have the fucking gall to act offended by a comment meant as a joke?!?

fuck you, you hypersensative faggot

Michele

I am so tired of this political correctness bullshit. It’s called Freedom of Speech. If you don’t like the remarks someone is making than don’t pay attention…ESPECIALLY if the remarks are not being directed at you personally. We’re living in a world full of over sensitive whimps! Eddie is a comic, and a hilarious one at that! Can you imagine him on pins and needles having to worry about every little thing he says or any innuendos? Give me a break! Eddie is standing up for much more than his friend. He’s standing up for our rights to say what we want, when we want and how we want! KUDOS to Eddie!

Michele

I am so tired of this political correctness bullshit. It’s called Freedom of Speech. If you don’t like the remarks someone is making than don’t pay attention…ESPECIALLY if the remarks are not being directed at you personally. We’re living in a world full of over sensitive whimps! Eddie is a comic, and a hilarious one at that! Can you imagine him on pins and needles having to worry about every little thing he says or any innuendos? Give me a break! Eddie is standing up for much more than his friend. He’s standing up for our rights to say what we want, when we want and how we want! KUDOS to Eddie!

Harrismediagroup

This is a solid move that comics and anyone that engages in the business of “edgy” humor should support. The “fag” line was obviously a joke, and as per their usual MO, GLAAD seems to want to hold Ratner hostage for it. Comedians, actors, and film makers need to stop kowtowing to these special interest groups who seek to sanitize humor in the name of not hurting anyone’s feelings. Bravo to Eddie Murphy!

Anonymous

Because Brett Ratner won’t be there to write more of those witty “fag” jokes for him?